MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL
Here it is: Maximum Rocknroll #393, the February 2016 issue. The time has come to drop our 2015 YEAR-END TOP TENS. We’ve given music “journalists” and rock “critics” a polite but firm kick in the head: these top-tens were composed by real live actual punks. Writers include your favorite MRR reviewers and contributors as well as some special guests: members of the punk community at large including Laura Lança (Rakta, Chroma), Greg Benedetto (S.H.I.T., Not Dead Yet fest organizer), Arto Hietikko (editor of Toinen Vaihtoehto) Ralph Rivera (Not Normal Tapes, The Bug), the ladies of Shequalizing Distort (CIUT Toronto radio takeover), Paco Mus (La Vida Es Un Mus label impresario) and many more. No two lists are alike; over 232 records are discussed here. Expect to find your new favorite records in these pages. We also have an interview with BUSTED OUTLOOK, one of the most exciting hardcore bands in California, getting live on stage and on the page. Australia’s SCAB EATER talk about their new record, relive touring in Southeast Asia, relate some controversies at home and explain why they seem to be on the road at least every three months. Another intercontinental enterprise: SEI TO SHI discus splitting members between New York and Kyushu, Japan and the return from their brief hiatus. Texas crust outfit COMMUNION OF THIEVES talk about their origins on both sides of the El Paso-JuÁ¡rez divide as well as their introductions to the wide world of punk. On top of all that, we managed to pack in a photo spread from Cacophonie Nights, a weekend of noise punk gaiety in Portland; all of the columnists you know and love; and of course, punk’s hugest reviews section.
MRR is contributor-driven, which means that we rely on punks like you for content. You don’t need an invitation to be a part of what we do.
For review and radio play consideration, send vinyl (preferred), CD, or cassette releases to PO Box 3852, Oakland, CA 94609, USA. Send us the final version of your record—we do not review digital releases, test presses, or promo CDs.
We will review everything that falls within our areas of coverage: independent punk, garage, and hardcore. This means no major labels or labels that are exclusively distributed by major-owned distributors. We reserve the right to reject releases on the basis of content. Music without vocals or drums will not be considered.
Please allow two months from your mailing date before following up to ask if we’ve received your submission.
We are always looking for interview, scene report, guest column, and photo submissions. Submission does not guarantee publication. In order to improve the chances of your submission being printed, please read our FAQ.
In addition to records, we also review independently published and produced zines, books, and movies. Please send physical copies to PO Box 3852, Oakland, CA 94609, USA. If you have a streaming link to your film, or if it is playing in the San Francisco Bay Area, please email the information to carolyn@maximumrocknroll.com.